HL Deb 12 July 1985 vol 466 cc430-1

23 Clause 11, page 13, line 20, after ("sea") insert ("or under the sea-bed").

25 Clause 13, page 14, line 6, leave out ("or (e)") and insert ("(cc), (e) or (ee)").

57 In the Title, line 7, after ("sea") insert ("to make provision for the control of the deposit of substances and articles under the sea-bed;").

These amendments deal with sub sea-bed disposal, which as some of your Lordships may remember, is one possible method of disposing of radioactive waste. As yet its technical feasibility remains to be proved, and the legal situation under the London dumping convention is also under consideration. Any operation of sub sea-bed disposal would be subject to the same control as would ordinary deposits at sea. That is to say, if the operation takes place in United Kingdom waters, or if the loading takes place in the United Kingdom, or if the vehicle or vessel concerned is British, then a licence will be needed. However, the purpose of bringing sub sea-bed disposal within the Bill as in these amendments is not to permit it but to make it subject to control pending a decision in the London dumping convention.

Moved, That this House do agree with the Commons in the said amendments—(Lord Belstead.)

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, we also welcome these amendments. I think that I am probably right in saying that this would in the interim, before the final signature to the convention, cover any deposits in fissures in the sea-bed about which there might perhaps have been an argument as to whether they were on the sea-bed or under it. But certainly we also welcome these amendments.

Lord John-Mackie

My Lords, I wonder whether the noble Lord can explain the difference between "under the sea-bed" and sub sea-bed?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, no, the two mean the same.

On Question, Motion agreed to.